Chapter Eleven
Elora
Katara and I had been engaged in casual conversation for some time, our words drifting lazily through the air like the gentle breeze that rustled the nearby foliage. With nothing pressing on our minds, we decided to seek out Aang and Sokka, who had been noticeably absent for quite some time.
Descending a grassy hill, our footsteps softened by the cushion of greenery beneath us, we spotted them amidst a thicket, their attention fixated on something hidden within the underbrush.
"Did someone lose something?" Katara inquired, her brow furrowing in confusion at the sight.
"No, we found something," Aang replied, his voice tinged with excitement as Sokka plucked a scorched arrow from the ground, its once-vibrant feathers now charred by fire.
"It's burned," Sokka observed, his gaze shifting to a nearby tree adorned with ominous burn marks etched into its trunk.
With a furrowed brow, he pieced together the scene before us, his eyes scanning the ground for telltale signs of struggle.
"There was a battle. Water tribe warriors ambushed a group of firebenders," he explained, his voice tinged with solemnity as he traced the path of the skirmish through the soil. "The firebenders fought back, but the warriors drove them down this hill," he continued, gesturing towards the grassy slope that descended before us.
Eager to uncover the fate of those involved, we followed Sokka's lead, our feet carrying us swiftly down the hillside until we emerged onto a windswept beach, the sound of crashing waves drowning out any further clues.
"So then what happened?" Aang's curiosity echoed in the salt-tinged air whilst my gaze sweeps the shoreline in search of answers.
"I don't know. The trail ends here," Sokka admitted, his shoulders slumping in defeat as he surveyed the barren expanse before us, the mystery of the battle's aftermath lingering like a shadow over the sands.
"Wait, look," I interjected, my finger pointing towards the water where an abandoned Water Tribe boat lay beached on the shore.
"It's one of our boats!" Sokka exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face as we hurried towards it, our steps quickened by a surge of anticipation.
"Is this... Dad's boat?" Katara's voice trembled with hope as she approached, her eyes scanning the vessel for any sign of familiarity.
"No, but it's from his fleet," Sokka confirmed, his tone tinged with relief and excitement. "Dad was here," he stated with a mixture of awe and disbelief.
As the night enveloped us in its gentle embrace, casting shadows upon the sandy shore, we settled into our makeshift camp beside the abandoned boat. Katara and Aang had succumbed to the embrace of sleep, their rhythmic breaths a soothing lullaby against the backdrop of the crackling fire. Yet, despite the tranquil surroundings, sleep eluded me, my mind restless with unspoken thoughts.
I glanced towards Sokka, his silhouette outlined by the flickering flames, a pensive expression etched upon his features. Sensing my approach, he turned towards me, his eyes reflecting the dancing firelight as I settled beside him.
"What are you thinking about?" I ventured, breaking the silence that hung between us like a fragile veil.
"My dad," Sokka replied, his voice tinged with melancholy. "He went to fight in the war after our mom died," he explained, his words heavy with the weight of unresolved emotions.
"I'm sorry," I murmured softly, placing a comforting hand upon his shoulder, offering a silent gesture of support.
"I wanted to go with him," Sokka continued, his voice wavering slightly. "I had packed all my stuff, painted my face and everything. But he told me that I had to stay and take care of the village, take care of Katara," he recounted, a sense of longing evident in his words.
"I don't know what it's like to lose a parent. It must have been difficult," I offered sympathetically, a sad smile playing upon my lips as I sought to ease his burden.
"Hey, think of it this way," I began, my tone gentle yet hopeful. "If you had gone with him, Aang and I would still be stuck in that iceberg," I added, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth as I attempted to lighten the mood. Sokka's lips curved upwards in response, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes.
"I guess you're okay," he teased, eliciting a mock gasp of offense from me.
"Plus, who would've protected you from Zuko?" Sokka continued playfully, his smirk betraying a hint of mischief. I couldn't help but snort at his remark, the tension of the moment momentarily broken.
"Please, we both know I did all the protecting," I retorted with a playful nudge, our laughter mingling with the gentle rhythm of the waves lapping at the shore.
As our laughter faded into the night, we found ourselves locked in a silent exchange, our gazes meeting in the dim glow of the firelight. In Sokka's ice-blue eyes, Every glance, every flicker of emotion within his eyes, seems to tug at the strings of my heart, sparking a conflict within my mind. It's as if I'm caught in a battle between reason and desire, torn between the urge to lose myself in his gaze and the need to maintain control.
As the tranquility of the night shattered by the sudden noise, Sokka and I sprang into action, our senses heightened as we assumed defensive postures, ready to confront the unexpected intruder.
"Who's there?" Sokka's voice reverberated through the night air, his grip tightening on his boomerang as I readied myself in a bending stance, prepared for whatever threat lurked in the shadows.
Emerging from the darkness, a figure stepped into the flickering light of the fire, his features bathed in its warm glow. Recognition dawned on Sokka's face as the man spoke his name in disbelief.
"Sokka?" The man's voice held a note of astonishment, his attire unmistakably belonging to the Water Tribe.
"Bato?" Sokka's guard visibly relaxed as he lowered his weapon, a silent signal that the newcomer posed no threat. Taking his cue, I released the tension in my stance, my senses still alert but no longer poised for combat.
Confusion clouded Aang's expression as he and Katara roused from their slumber, their eyes scanning the scene before them with bewilderment.
"Bato!" Katara's voice rang out with delight, her smile illuminating the darkness as she and Sokka rushed forward to embrace the newcomer.
"Sokka! Katara! It is so good to see you two!" Bato's voice brimmed with warmth as he returned their embrace, his eyes sparkling with affection as he gazed upon the siblings he had not seen in far too long.
"Oh, you've grown so much," Bato exclaimed, his smile widening as he looked upon them with fondness, his presence casting a sense of familiarity and comfort upon our impromptu campsite by the shore.
"Hi, I'm Aang," Aang greeted with a respectful bow, extending the courtesy of introduction to the newcomer. "And this is Elora," he added, gesturing towards me as I followed suit with a bow of my own.
"Where's Dad?" Sokka interjected eagerly, his excitement palpable as he disregarded Aang's introduction.
"Is he here?" Katara chimed in, her voice tinged with hope as she awaited Bato's response.
"No, he and the other warriors should be in the eastern Earth Kingdom by now," Bato replied somberly, his words casting a shadow over the siblings' hopeful anticipation.
"Brr! This is no place for a reunion. Let's get inside," Bato suggested, his voice drowned out by the rising wind. Wrapping his arms around Katara and Sokka, he guided them towards shelter, motioning for us to follow. With a nod of agreement, we fell into step behind them, making our way towards an abbey nestled amidst the rugged landscape.
"After I was wounded, your father carried me to this abbey. The sisters have cared for me ever since," Bato explained, his words directed towards Sokka and Katara.
"Superior, these are Hakoda's children. They've been traveling with the Avatar and her friend. I found them by my boat," Bato introduced us to a nun who turned towards us with a warm smile.
"Young Avatar, it gives me great joy to be in your presence," the nun greeted, bowing respectfully. "Welcome to our abbey," she added kindly.
"Thank you. It's truly an honor to be here," I replied with sincerity, reciprocating her bow. Before I could offer any further words of gratitude, Sokka's curiosity diverted the conversation.
"What smells so good, Bato?" Sokka inquired, his nostrils twitching as he caught a whiff of a pleasant aroma wafting through the air.
"The sisters' crafted ointments and perfumes," Bato explained, gesturing towards barrels nearby.
"Perfume? Maybe we could dump some on Appa? Because he stinks so much! Am I right?" Sokka attempted a joke, but his jest fell flat, met with silence from the others.
"You have your father's wit," Bato remarked with a fond smile, acknowledging Sokka's jest as he led us towards a nearby building. With a gentle push, he swung open the door, revealing the interior bathed in warm light.
"Bato! It looks like home!" Katara exclaimed joyfully, her eyes lighting up at the familiar sight of the room adorned with countless animal skins. My heart sank at the sight, a pang of sorrow coursing through me at the thought of those once-beautiful creatures.
"Everything's here, even the pelts!" Sokka declared, his voice filled with a mixture of nostalgia and admiration as he and Katara began to explore the room's amenities.
"Yeah, nothing's more comforting than dead animal skins," Aang muttered under his breath, his words echoing my own sentiments as I nodded in silent agreement.
"No way! Stewed sea prunes?" Katara's voice rose with excitement as she lifted the lid of a pot filled with a peculiar-looking soup.
"Help yourself," Bato offered graciously, his hospitality extending to the humble fare before us.
"Dad could eat a whole barrel of these things," Sokka remarked with a hint of pride, his memories of their shared culinary preferences evident in his tone. As Katara began to dish out bowls of the stew, Aang accepted eagerly, but I hesitated, my gaze lingering over his shoulder at the unappetizing concoction.
"Thanks, I'm okay," I declined politely, shaking my head as Katara handed me a bowl. With a nonchalant shrug, she accepted my refusal and proceeded to enjoy her portion, leaving me to ponder the evening's events in thoughtful silence.
"Bato, is it true you and Dad lassoed an arctic hippo?" Katara's inquiry broke the nostalgic atmosphere, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"It was your father's idea. He just dragged me along," Bato chuckled, reminiscing about their past adventures. "Well, the hippo did the dragging," he added with a hearty laugh.
"Hey, I ride animals too! One time there was this giant eel—" Aang began to share his own tale, only to be interrupted by Sokka's probing question.
"So, who was it that came up with the great blubber fiasco?" Sokka's inquiry hung in the air, a note of skepticism lacing his words. A pang of protectiveness washed over me as I noticed Aang's dejected expression. Why do they keep interrupting him and ignoring us? I couldn't help but feel a twinge of hurt at the oversight.
"You knew about that?" Bato chuckled, his amusement evident as Katara confirmed the widespread knowledge of their misadventure.
"What's that story?" Aang's curiosity piqued, eager to uncover the tale behind the legendary blubber incident.
"It's a long one, Aang. Some other time," Sokka dismissed, oblivious to the disappointment written across Aang's face.
"You and Dad had so many hilarious adventures," Katara reminisced, her smile tinged with fondness for the memories shared with their father.
"Not all of which were hilarious at the time, but everything's funny with hindsight," Bato remarked, his gaze drifting towards Aang, who had withdrawn to a corner of the room, unnoticed by the others.
As Aang sat in solitude, I couldn't bear to see him dejected. With a sigh, I approached him, offering a comforting hand, silently conveying my solidarity.
"Was it you or Dad that put an octopus on your head and convinced Gran-Gran you were a water spirit?" Sokka's voice carried a hint of mischief, drawing laughter from Bato as he recalled the lighthearted prank.
"Your dad wore the octopus, but I did the spooky voice," Bato admitted with a mischievous grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he shared the memory with the siblings.
"There's something I should tell you, kids. I'm expecting a message from your father," Bato revealed, his words sparking excitement in their eyes.
"Really?" Katara's hope was palpable, her heart racing with anticipation.
"When?" Sokka's excitement mirrored his sister's enthusiasm, eager for any news of their father's whereabouts.
"Any day now. Your father said he'd send a message when they found the rendezvous point," Bato explained, his words imbued with a sense of anticipation.
"If you wait here until the message arrives, you can come with me and see your father again," he offered.
Sokka's excitement reverberated through the room as he exclaimed, "It's been over two years since we've seen Dad! That would be so incredible." His hands flew to his head in a gesture of exhilaration, the anticipation evident in his voice.
"Katara?" Sokka turned to her, his grin widening. "I really miss him. It would be great to see Dad," she replied, her smile mirroring his enthusiasm. However, as their excitement grew, a wave of anxiety washed over me at the thought of them leaving us behind.
Glancing over to Aang, I noticed his downcast expression. He looked lonely, as if the prospect of Katara and Sokka departing weighed heavily on his heart. Without a word, he stood up and left the building, a silent retreat from the impending departure.
Feeling a sense of solidarity, I rose from my seat and followed Aang out to the beach. The cool sand beneath our feet provided a somber backdrop as we sat in silence, gazing out at the vast expanse of water before us.
"I can't believe they'd leave us," Aang expressed his sadness, his voice heavy with disappointment.
"Maybe they won't," I offered, though my words felt feeble, even to my own ears.
"Yeah, right. They have a chance to see their Dad again!" Aang's tone was laced with bitterness, a bitter reminder of the imminent departure.
"They haven't seen him for so long. I know it's hard, but if they do leave... shouldn't we be happy for them?" I struggled to find the right words, grappling with conflicting emotions as I tried to rationalize their decision.
With a deep breath, I stood up, resolving to check on Appa and Momo. "I'm going to go check on Appa and Momo. Do you want to come?" I asked Aang, though his refusal was expected.
"No, I'll stay here," he replied sadly, his gaze fixed on the horizon.
"Okay," I murmured softly as I walked away, making my way down the beach towards our loyal companions. Momo fluttered to rest on my shoulder, offering a sense of comfort as I ran my hand through Appa's fur, his gentle rumble soothing my troubled thoughts.
Aang's observation struck a chord with me. Katara and Sokka hadn't seen their father in years, and the allure of reuniting with him was undeniable. They had every right to pursue that opportunity. As much as I tried to rationalize it, a mixture of hurt and betrayal gnawed at my heart.
They didn't have to stay with us. They could go see their Dad. Despite knowing this, I couldn't shake the feeling of being left behind. It felt like they were abandoning us at a crucial juncture in our journey, just when we had begun to forge a bond. Was their declaration of being our family merely a facade, a comforting lie to ease our fears?
The realization stung, leaving me feeling more attached than ever, especially to Sokka. His assurance that he was here for me now seemed hollow. But amidst the turmoil of emotions, I found solace in Aang. He was the anchor in the storm, the one constant I could rely on.
If Katara and Sokka chose to leave us behind, I would smile and bid them farewell, wishing them well on their journey to reunite with their father. Then, Aang and I would carry on, facing whatever challenges lay ahead together.
With a heavy heart, I rose to my feet, taking one last deep breath of the salty sea air. With each step towards the abbey, I steeled myself for the uncertainties that lay ahead, determined to embrace whatever destiny had in store for us.
As I re-entered the room where Bato and the others were gathered, Aang joined me shortly after. His demeanor had shifted, now displaying a much happier expression than before.
"Hey everyone! Sorry we were gone so long," Aang greeted them cheerfully, his smile infectious.
"Hey guys, I didn't notice you left," Katara replied, her tone warm and welcoming.
"How sweet of you" I muttered under my breath.
"Yup, but now we're back," Aang chimed in, his smile widening. "Sure could go for some delicious sea prunes!" he exclaimed, grabbing a bowl and eagerly digging in. However, after a few seconds, his expression changed, and he abruptly spat the sea prunes back out, leaving us all looking at him with confusion.
What is going on with him? I wondered, a hint of concern creeping into my thoughts.
The following day, we strolled along the beach, making our way towards Bato's boat. As he placed a hand on the vessel, Bato shared the sentimental connection he felt towards it, revealing that it was built by his father.
"Is this the boat he took you ice-dodging in?" Sokka inquired, his curiosity piqued.
"Yeah, I got the scar to prove it," Bato confirmed with a reminiscent smile.
Sokka's expression faltered momentarily as the memory stirred within him. "Huh. How about you, Sokka? You must have some good stories from your first time ice-dodging?" Bato probed, his tone filled with warmth.
Sokka's smile faded as Katara gently reminded him, "He never got to go. Dad left before he was old enough."
"Oh, I forgot you were too young," Bato remarked sadly, his tone reflecting a sense of regret.
Curiosity sparked within Aang as he questioned, "What's ice-dodging?"
"It's a rite of passage for young Water Tribe members. When you turn sixteen, your Dad takes you out on the waters, and you, well...dodge ice," I explained, surprising everyone with my knowledge of Water Tribe traditions.
"What?" I retorted defensively as they looked at me in surprise. "I'm not completely uncultured," I added, a hint of amusement in my voice.
"Well, Sokka, I'm gonna take you ice-dodging," Bato declared, his words met with a wide grin from Sokka, who eagerly welcomed the opportunity.
✾ ✾ ✾ ✾ ✾ ✾
A little later, we found ourselves aboard Bato's boat, sailing along the water. As the wind filled the sails, Bato took the opportunity to explain the significance of ice-dodging.
"Ice-dodging is a ceremonial test of wisdom, bravery, and trust," Bato elucidated, his voice carrying over the sound of the waves. "In our village, it was done by weaving a boat through a field of icebergs."
Sokka's brow furrowed in confusion. "How are we supposed to ice-dodge without ice?" he queried.
Bato gestured towards a cluster of stalagmite-related rocks in the distance. "You will be dodging...those," he clarified.
"Sokka, you steer and call the shots. Lead wisely," Bato instructed, relinquishing control of the steering stick to Sokka.
"Katara, you secure the mainsail. The winds can be brutal, so be brave," he directed, as Katara promptly grabbed hold of the ropes.
"Aang, you control the jib. Without your steady hand, we all go down. Your position is about trust," Bato addressed Aang, who appeared somewhat timid.
"I know that! Why wouldn't I know that? I know about trust," Aang responded nervously, prompting a furrow of concern to crease my brow. He had been acting strangely since last night.
What is wrong with him? I wondered silently.
As Bato settled at the nose of the ship, he emphasized the importance of the test. "For this to be done right, I cannot help. You pass or fail on your own," he declared, turning his attention to Sokka.
"What will Lora do?" Katara inquired, and all eyes turned to me.
"The Avatar and I will watch you all," I responded quietly, my gaze lingering on Aang, who looked increasingly unsettled.
As the ship rushed towards the rocky obstacles, fear flashed across Katara and Aang's faces. "Aang, ease up on the jib!" Sokka commanded, his voice cutting through the tension.
"Katara, steady!" he shouted, as she adjusted the sails.
"Aang, less sail! Katara, give him room!" Sokka barked orders, his voice urgent.
"Aang, helm to lee! Helm to lee!" he yelled, his directives growing more frantic.
"What does that even mean!?" Aang shouted in confusion, desperately pulling on the jib as we narrowly avoided collision with a rock. I watched from my seat, observing the three of them work together to keep us afloat.
"Great job!" Sokka praised, his voice filled with relief, as the ship navigated through a cul-de-sac of rocky terrain at high speed.
"There's no way through!" Katara exclaimed, her voice tinged with concern.
"We can make it!" Sokka declared confidently, refusing to back down.
"Sokka, you've already proven yourself. Maybe we should—" Bato began, but Sokka interrupted him.
"Aang, I'm gonna need air in that sail!" Sokka directed, his tone urgent.
"Katara, I want you to bend as much water as you can between us and those rocks!" he instructed, as we neared the treacherous obstacles.
"Now!" Sokka shouted, and Aang propelled wave after wave of air into the sail, while Katara summoned torrents of water to create a protective barrier around the boat.
The wave she had conjured lifted us safely over the jagged rocks, much to Sokka's relief. As we sailed back to the beach, all still safe and sound, we jumped off the boat, docking it on the shores.
"The spirits of water bear witness to these marks," Bato intoned solemnly, holding a small bowl of black ink.
"For Sokka, the mark of the wise. The same mark your father earned," he explained, carefully marking Sokka's forehead with a dot and a half-circle above it.
"For Katara, the mark of the brave. Your courage inspires us," Bato continued, as he marked Katara's head with a crescent-shaped symbol.
"And for Aang, the mark of the trusted," Bato concluded, marking Aang's forehead with a half-circle. Pride swelled within me as I watched.
"You are now an honorary member of the Water Tribe," Bato declared, but Aang's reaction puzzled me. He frowned and rubbed off the mark.
"I can't," Aang protested, stepping back, his head hanging low.
"Of course you can!" Katara encouraged him, but Aang persisted.
"No, you can't trust me," he insisted, retreating further. Confusion clouded my mind. What was Aang talking about?
"Aang, what are you talking about?" I interjected, seeking clarity.
"A messenger gave this to me for Bato," Aang explained, handing Katara a piece of paper. "You have to understand, I was afraid you'd—" He began, but Sokka's outburst cut him off.
"This is the map to our father! You had it the whole time!? How could you?" Sokka's accusations stung, and I couldn't remain silent.
"Don't shout at him! He was just scared you'd leave," I defended Aang, my voice rising in frustration.
"Oh really? Well, guess what? His fears are coming true. You can go to the North Pole on your own!" Sokka retorted, his words sharp with betrayal. A pang of hurt shot through me as Sokka's harsh words hit home.
"I'm going to find Dad," Sokka declared, storming away. Bato attempted to intervene, but Sokka brushed him off.
"Katara, are you with me?" Sokka asked, and my heart sank as Katara quickly sided with him, shaking off my attempt to hold her back.
"Sokka, I understand you want to see your Dad, but—" I began, but Sokka cut me off, his own pain evident.
"No you don't understand! You never had a father!" Sokka's words pierced through me, leaving me reeling. Hurt and shock flashed across my face as Sokka's gaze met mine, regret flickering in his eyes before he turned away.
As they walked away, I exchanged a glance with Aang, sadness reflecting in both our eyes.
"Elora, I—"
"It's okay, Aang. I know. I probably would've done the same thing," I reassured him, masking my own hurt with understanding.
✾ ✾ ✾ ✾ ✾ ✾
I carried a bag over to Appa and placed it on his saddle, glancing ahead to see Katara standing in front of the bison. I jumped off and walked over to her, a sad smile tugging at my lips.
"Sokka shouldn't have said what he did. I'm sorry," Katara offered, her voice gentle with empathy.
"Don't be. You didn't say it," I replied, returning her smile with gratitude.
"Sokka was right, though. Aang and I never knew our parents. So we don't really understand what it's like," I admitted, feeling a pang of sorrow. Katara's eyes held a sympathetic glimmer as she pulled me into a comforting hug.
"I'll miss you," she whispered as we parted.
"I'll miss you too," I responded warmly before she turned and walked back to Sokka and Bato. I stole a glance at Sokka, noticing a hint of regret and sadness in his eyes. Before I could dwell on it, I turned away and jumped onto Appa.
As all three of them walked away, leaving Aang and me to travel alone, the Superior of the abbey approached us.
"Guess we should be moving on," Aang said sadly, hugging his knees.
"That would be best," she agreed. With a sigh, I shook Appa's reins, prompting him to walk us out of the gate.
"I'm an idiot, Momo," Aang muttered gloomily. I looked back at him, offering a small smile.
"You're not an idiot, Aang," I reassured him. "You just made a mistake." Despite my words, he still seemed upset with himself.
We stopped at the beach to ensure we were ready to move on.
"Looks like we're going alone," Aang remarked as he tightened Appa's reins.
"Yeah," I replied gloomily, the weight of solitude settling heavily upon us.
Sokka
We treaded through the dense forest, our footsteps muffled by the carpet of fallen leaves. Katara trailed behind Bato, her reluctance evident in every step. I knew she was torn, torn between her loyalty to me and her desire to help Aang and Lora.
My decision gnawed at me like a relentless hunger, a gnawing ache that weighed down every step. The desire to see my father warred with the heavy burden of leaving her behind. With each stride, my legs protested, as if resisting the path I had chosen.
My heart felt like an anchor, dragging me down into the depths of despair. It plummeted to the pit of my stomach, pulsing with a dull ache that refused to relent. Thoughts of her consumed me, a relentless storm raging in my mind, drowning out all other thoughts. She was a constant presence, haunting my every waking moment, an echo of longing that refused to fade.
Anger had spurred my departure, a tempest of emotions driving me forward. But now, as I trudged forward, the anger ebbed away, replaced by a deep-seated yearning to turn back. The urge to run to her side, to never leave her again, surged through me with each passing moment, a relentless drumbeat echoing in my mind.
Eventually, I couldn't bear it any longer. I halted abruptly, causing Bato and Katara to turn around, their expressions a mixture of confusion and concern.
"Sokka?" Katara's voice was laced with uncertainty.
"We need to turn back," I blurted out, the words tumbling from my lips before I could stop them. "I want to see Dad, but I can't leave her."
A soft smile played on Katara's lips as she shook her head knowingly. "I knew you wouldn't be able to go through with it. You're too whipped to leave her side for five minutes," she teased, earning a glare from me.
Bato chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, so that's what those looks were about. I was wondering what was going on with you and her. You better go then, help the Avatar. Your father would be proud."
I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks as embarrassment flooded my senses. "And I'm sure he'll have a good laugh after I tell him his son is wrapped around the finger of a certain girl," Bato added, his laughter echoing through the forest.
"Bato, no, don't do this to me," I protested weakly, but it fell on deaf ears as both he and Katara erupted into laughter, leaving me to grapple with my newfound revelation.
Elora
"Avatar! Aang! You must leave!" The urgency in The Superior's voice startles us, causing Aang and I to glance up to meet her gaze. Her words hang in the air, laden with a sense of imminent danger.
"Okay, I get it. Everybody wants me gone," Aang retorts, his frustration evident, but there's a flicker of fear in The Superior's eyes, hinting at the gravity of the situation.
"A group of people came to the abbey looking for you," she divulges, her voice quivering with concern.
"Who?" I interject, my heart racing as I lean in, eager for more information.
"A fierce-looking woman with a horrible monster and a young man with a scar," she reveals, her words sending a shiver down my spine.
"Zuko!" Aang's exclamation is laced with alarm, his realization sinking in like a stone.
"The beast was using the scent of a necklace to follow you," The Superior explains, her words painting a vivid picture of the danger lurking nearby.
"A necklace?" Aang's confusion mirrors my own, but the truth dawns on us both in an instant.
"Katara!" Our simultaneous outcry echoes through the air, a surge of panic coursing through us. Without a moment's hesitation, we grab our gliders and take off into the sky, determination etched on our faces. Below us, a shirshu carries a group of familiar faces, including Katara, Sokka, and Zuko, fueling our urgency to reach them.
As we descend, the creature lashes out, narrowly missing us before crashing to the ground, sending its passengers sprawling. Landing before Zuko, we're greeted by Katara's relieved voice, but our moment of respite is short-lived.
A woman rises, unleashing a barrage of attacks, while the shirshu roars back to its feet, its rider mounting it once more. They charge at us, but Appa intervenes, colliding with the creature and its rider, creating chaos.
However, my relief is short-lived as Zuko turns against us, flames dancing from his hands. We engage in a fierce battle, exchanging blows amidst the chaos until, with a final burst of energy, we're all sent reeling backward.
Regaining my footing, I brace myself as Zuko charges, Aang by my side. With swift movements, we confront him, trading blows until I manage to knock him off the roof. Yet, our victory is short-lived as the woman and shirshu quickly take his place, pursuing us relentlessly.
With Appa's help, we narrowly evade their attacks, leaping from the roof to confront Zuko once more, the looming well serving as our battleground.
"You've got something I want!" Aang's shout cuts through the chaos, directed at Zuko. I glance at him, momentarily puzzled, until the realization dawns on me – he's referring to Katara's necklace. Aang and Zuko engage in another round of intense combat, their movements echoing off the stone walls of the well.
As they exchange blows, the structure of the well begins to crumble under the force of their attacks. They dance on its edge, locked in a relentless struggle, neither gaining a decisive advantage. Aang's attempts to seize the necklace are thwarted at every turn, but in a swift maneuver, he manages to loop his foot through the necklace, snatching it from Zuko's grasp.
With a determined leap, Aang plunges into the depths of the well, disappearing from sight. Zuko, consumed by frustration, unleashes a torrent of flames after him, only to be propelled into the air by a sudden gust of wind as Aang airbends himself out of the well. Aang lands gracefully on the ground, while Zuko crashes to the pavement with a resounding thud.
As Zuko rises to resume the fight, Appa advances threateningly, but before he can intervene, the shirshu strikes, its paralyzing tongue incapacitating Appa, who collapses to the ground. Aang and I dodge Zuko's attacks while simultaneously evading the shirshu's relentless assaults.
My gaze shifts to Katara, who, with determined focus, waterbends the perfume created by the abbey sisters. Forming it into a massive wave, she releases it upon the shirshu, drenching the creature. In its panicked state, the shirshu inadvertently ensnares Zuko with its tongue, dragging him down alongside the woman on its back.
✾ ✾ ✾ ✾ ✾ ✾
As the sun began its descent on the horizon, casting a warm glow across the sky, Aang steered Appa through the clouds, his gaze shifting to the siblings seated behind him.
"So, where do we go?" Aang's inquiry hung in the air, prompting Katara to speak up.
"We're taking Elora to the North Pole," she declared, Aang's expression registering surprise at the sudden change in plans and so did mine.
"Yeah, we've lost too much time already," Sokka chimed in, his tone resolute.
"Don't you want to see your father?" Aang ventured, his uncertainty palpable.
"Of course, we do, Aang," Sokka affirmed, a warm smile spreading across his face. "But you guys are our family too, and right now, you need us more."
I guess it wasn't a lie
"And we need you," Katara added, her smile mirroring her brother's.
"I wish I could give you a little piece of home, Katara. Something to remind you..." Aang began, but Katara cut him off.
"I'll be okay," she reassured him with a smile.
"Still, just a little trinket. Maybe something like... this!" Aang proudly presented Katara's necklace, eliciting a gasp of surprise from her.
"Aang! Where did you get that?" Katara's shock was evident as she accepted her necklace from him.
"Zuko made sure I got it to you," Aang quipped playfully.
"Oh, that's so sweet of Zuko," Katara exclaimed dramatically. "Would you give him a kiss for me when you see him?" she joked, leaning over to peck Aang on the cheek, causing him to blush and fidget nervously.
Meanwhile, I turned to Sokka, finding him wearing an apologetic expression. "I'm sorry, Lora," he began. "I shouldn't have said what I said. It was out of anger, and it was wrong."
I smiled softly. "Forgive me?" he asked sheepishly.
"Of course, Sokka," I replied with a small laugh, our bond strengthened by forgiveness.
We sat in companionable silence, watching the vibrant hues of the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink.
"You say sorry a lot," I remarked, furrowing my brows as I reflected on our disagreements.
"I feel it a lot," Sokka admitted with a sigh.
"You don't need to with me. I'd forgive you for anything," I reassured him.
"Even if I were to kill Aang?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.
"No, absolutely not. You touch my shitlicker, and I'll write poetry with your blood," I replied with unwavering seriousness, causing Sokka's body to go rigid and his eyes to widen.
"You know, Lora, you have some of the most unsettling threats I've ever heard... it's awesome," Sokka remarked, a grin spreading across his face.